Even before the Department of Home Affairs confused everyone by nullifying its own law which it had amended the day before, the larger tour operators were expressing disappointment that the Immigration Act Amendment of November 30 had, in any case, not gone far enough to allow them to market South Africa as a family-friendly destination.

What frustrates them most is that the Department refuses to consult with the tourism sector when it changes regulations, having snubbed several attempts by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa), who have approached the Department.

The embarrassment for government of unfolding events might now finally prompt a meeting.

Listen here to Cape Talk’s John Maytham going speechless when Tourism Update tried to explain what has just happened: